RAs react to diversity seminars
By KELLY HRADSKY and
SARAH NESTOR
The Saint Mary's Diversity seminars led by Frances Kendall, Ph.D., were controversial from the start.
"I was expecting her to be more of a motivational speaker, in retrospect I feel like she targeted the Resident Advisors," Mary Brown, Saint Mary's senior and RA said. "Overall I think many of us [RA's] came out with the same negative outlook."
Kendall sparked debate with her analysis of the power of mascots and how they can affect a community.
"If I was looking to buy a house in South Bend and I went to a realtor and she took me by St. Joseph High School and I saw the marquee that said `Become an Indian' I would not want to live in this city," Kendall said. "I wouldn't want my family or friends to live in or visit this city either."
The seminar became chaotic when Kendall brought up the discussion about whether or not a confederate flag should be allowed to hang in a Resident Advisor's room. Participants became so engrossed in stating their opinions that they just shouted out their opinions and a few even booed the speaker when they did not agree with what was being said.
"I did not like how she seemed to single out people and make assumptions about them," an RA who wished to remain anonymous said. "She assumed that we are all upper-middle class white females born to privilege."
Even though Resident Advisors were encouraged to attend the three workshops, many chose not to return because of the way Kendall presented her arguments.
"I did enjoy her, but not because I liked what she had to say. She challenged my previous thoughts and made me defend myself by considering what was personal," DeCleene said.
Kendall began the second seminar with an explanation that left several students feeling insulted.
Kendall explained that she came into the first seminar, "Assuming that you [students] knew about institutional racism, but there has been an apparent disservice to your education."
There were students who agreed with the speaker and came away with a positive experience from the seminars.
"I grew up in Nigeria so I didn't experience discrimination because everyone is the same, so I didn't think about diversity until I got here," Patricia Mobolade, Saint Mary's sophomore said. "Hearing her speak about all these issues and seeing she didn't come from a minority was encouraging."
All News Stories for Tuesday, September 3, 2002
